Channel Letters

Big, bold channel letters draw your customers’ eyes and attract them to your business – especially channel letter signs from Advanced Signs. Since 1985, our company has been designing and manufacturing signage that’s made the businesses and establishments of West Michigan stand out.

The fundamental difference between channel letters and other signage types is that channel letters are dimensional. Each letter is individually formed, and has its own separate enclosure.

Channel letters get their name from the internal “channel” contained by each letter. The internal channel is also where the letter illumination is housed.

The face of a channel letter is typically constructed of acrylic. Acrylic is a translucent material that comes in many different color options, and permits great flexibility in the finished letter appearance.

The channel is typically constructed of aluminum, but steel is also used. Aluminum is a viable option, as it is both lightweight and does not rust.

Front lit channel letters are the most common letter configuration. As the title implies, this letter type emits illumination only from the front (face) of the letters. Front lit letters are also called “standard” channel letters.

Reverse lit channel letters emit illumination only from the back of the letters. Reverse lit channel letters have sealed faces, and the illumination forms behind these letters. Reverse channel letters are also called “halo lit” letters.

Front/back lit letters produce illumination from both the front and back of the letters, giving them a dynamic and dramatic appearance.

Last, open face channel letters are less common but can have a spectacular impact in the right location. Open Face letters are open only at the face, and have a thinner return (3” instead of the usual 5”.)